Best Place Besides Apple to Buy an iMac

As much as I didn't want to (it looks like my iMac can't be repaired after all and I don't think we can wait to the new ones come out), I guess its time to but a new iMac. Figured I would get the cheapest 2015 21.5 which lists for $1,099.00. Can anyone recommend a reliable place besides apple that I could get one for less? I don't want to buy used. Thanks.

Staff Member

I always use this price guide at Apple Insider. Looks like right now either Amazon or B&H are cheapest at $979. I think B&H does not charge sales tax outside NY, so that may make them the best deal for you.

Can anyone recommend a reliable place besides apple that I could get one for less? I don't want to buy used.

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One other ( not listed on Apple Insider's list ) with no sales tax and free shipping is PowerMax. Located in Oregon they have friendly English-speaking customer service folks ( not affiliated with them ). I don't know if their prices are currently discounted. They run regular sales.

As much as I didn't want to (it looks like my iMac can't be repaired after all and I don't think we can wait to the new ones come out), I guess its time to but a new iMac. Figured I would get the cheapest 2015 21.5 which lists for $1,099.00. Can anyone recommend a reliable place besides apple that I could get one for less? I don't want to buy used. Thanks.

OP wrote:"I guess its time to but a new iMac. Figured I would get the cheapest 2015 21.5 which lists for $1,099.00."

A word of warning, disregard at your own risk:
Do not buy ANY iMac that has only a 1tb platter-based hard drive in it.
If you do, you are going to be SEVERELY DISAPPOINTED by the computer's overall speed.
That is to say, it's going to be "as slow as molasses".

You need either a fusion drive or an SSD.

Workaround:
You can buy a USB3 external SSD and plug it into the HDD iMac, and that will greatly increase its speed.
But you'll have to get used to having "an external booter", and you'll have to set it up carefully so that the SSD will continue to run at its best.
This really isn't "a problem". You just have to get used to it.

But again:
If you buy any iMac that has only an HDD in it, you're going to be dissatisfied by the speed.

Regarding where to buy:
If you don't live in California, take a look at portableone.com.
Good prices and fast service.
I bought my 2012 Mini from them.
NFI, other than being a satisfied customer.

OP wrote:"I guess its time to but a new iMac. Figured I would get the cheapest 2015 21.5 which lists for $1,099.00."

A word of warning, disregard at your own risk:
Do not buy ANY iMac that has only a 1tb platter-based hard drive in it.
If you do, you are going to be SEVERELY DISAPPOINTED by the computer's overall speed.
That is to say, it's going to be "as slow as molasses".

You need either a fusion drive or an SSD.

Workaround:
You can buy a USB3 external SSD and plug it into the HDD iMac, and that will greatly increase its speed.
But you'll have to get used to having "an external booter", and you'll have to set it up carefully so that the SSD will continue to run at its best.

But again:
If you buy any iMac that has only an HDD in it, you're going to be dissatisfied by the speed.

Click to expand...

Thank you for the advice. My problem is I was waiting for the new macs and was going to spend more than this, hoping that the computer would be as "future proof" as it could. USB c, a really big hard drive, etc. We only use the computer for photos, internet, some online kids games, occasional video editing. My wife is just done with waiting and wants a computer back for all the holiday and birthday photos and for the internet. That's why I was going to go with the most inexpensive one. But I totally hear you, I'm also worried that the 1T might actually be too small...

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